Spec co-writer for black-led sci-fi drama - a job post by James Smith

About the job

I am seeking one independent spec co-writer / creative collaborator for Shades of the Astrum War, a Black-led serialized science-fiction crime drama combining alien civilizations, power struggles, crime, family, identity, race, discrimination, survival, and different periods of American history.

This is a writer-to-writer collaboration, not a freelance employment position. There is currently no guaranteed upfront compensation. The selected collaborator will receive fair and accurate writing, story, or development credit based on their actual contributions. Any future compensation, participation, rights, and credit terms will be discussed and documented in a written collaboration agreement before substantive co-writing begins.

The series already has an extensive body of developed material, including established characters, mythology, worldbuilding, storylines, and a completed long-form Season One draft. I am looking for a writer who genuinely connects with the vision and can help strengthen the project through serialized television structure, character arcs, pacing, dialogue, continuity, and emotionally grounded storytelling.

Ideal collaborator:

• Understands serialized television structure and long-form character arcs • Writes natural dialogue and emotionally grounded scenes • Respects established canon while contributing meaningful ideas • Connects with the Black American themes central to the series • Enjoys science fiction, crime drama, power struggles, family drama, and historical storytelling • Communicates honestly and works collaboratively • Is willing to work without generative AI and will not submit confidential project material to AI systems

We would begin with one clearly defined episode, storyline, or development assignment rather than the entire series.

Interested writers should send a brief introduction, one or two relevant writing samples, a short explanation of why the project interests them, and what they are seeking from a writing collaboration.

Confidential project materials will only be shared after an initial conversation and a signed NDA.